Beijing, China
March 17, 2011
As the demand for seeds used in agricultural production is in the peak period, seed prices in some areas this year have shown a trend of significant rise, due to the impact of adverse factors such as increasing prices of means of agricultural production and the abnormal climate. On March 10, 2011, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) and the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) jointly issued an urgent circular, requiring that competent departments of agriculture and pricing should pay greater attention to and intensify the work regarding seed price and quality supervision and control in the new situation, in order to ensure sufficient supply for agricultural production.
It is noted in the circular that we must set up a sound system for monitoring and reporting seed prices; take a timely, comprehensive grasp of the information about its overall supply and demand, mix of seed varieties, the source of supply and marketing models; promptly release the information to the public with respect to market supply and demand, quality evaluation and prices; and give farmers scientific guidance on their selection and use of seeds.
The circular stresses that we should effectively strengthen supervision and control of seed prices. We will develop emergency plans for supervision and control of seed prices; set rational guiding prices; and adopt intervening measures, when necessary, in accordance with the law, to prevent significant fluctuation of prices. In addition, we will take greater efforts in supervision of purchase, wholesale and retail of seeds and investigate and deal with illegal pricing acts in accordance with the law.
It is required in the circular that agricultural agencies at all levels should make use of the Year of Seed Law Enforcement campaigns to strengthen quality inspection in seed markets, expand the scope of supervision, clean up the environment of seed markets, ensure quality and safety of seeds for agricultural production and safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of farmers.
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